A 39-year-old St. Augustine handyman manipulated an elderly Ponte Vedra cancer patient with cognitive issues in a scheme that netted him $100,000 in goods, according to the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office.
Jeremy Homar was arrested by the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office on July 16 and charged with Exploitation of an Elderly or Disabled Person, Grand Theft, Fraudulent Use of Personal Identification, and Cyberharassment.
According to a police report, Homar established a deceptive relationship with the victim under the false pretense of working on her home through his company, “Jay of All Trades.”
But officials later found that the business was unlicensed. Over several months, Homar ingratiated himself with the victim — gaining her trust, and securing access to her digital devices, documents, and financial records.
In December 2024, the victim wrote Homar two checks totaling $27,500 for supposed contracting work.
Over time, Homar’s exploitation escalated, papers state. He initiated flirtatious communications with the victim and she eventually sent him an explicit photo.
Fearful of his growing influence, the victim’s family convinced her to cut off relations. But Homar then threatened to release the material to her relatives unless she continued their relationship.
Further investigations revealed that Homar had linked the victim’s financial accounts to his own Zelle, PayPal, and retail accounts, bilking her out of approximately $100,000.
Investigators found that he used her funds for items from outlets including Nike, Duluth Trading and Kay Jewelers.
He used her funds to make purchases from Nike, Duluth Trading, Kay Jewelers, and other retailers, with items delivered to both his home and the victim’s residence.
Additionally, Homar convinced the victim to finance a 2024 truck in her name.
The victim also gave Homar an additional $5,000 purportedly to buy a trailer.
Throughout the ordeal, the victim’s family tried to sever ties with Homar. But when he learned of the investigation, he manipulated the victim into believing she was responsible for his legal troubles.
The victim’s daughter, who now holds power of attorney, expressed fears of physical and emotional retaliation from Homar to police. She also cited her mother’s mental deficits and cancer diagnosis as factors that contributed to her vulnerability.
When arrested at a St. Johns Lowe’s Wednesday, Homar agreed to speak with law enforcement without a lawyer present. He denied coercion, insisting that the victim willingly bought the items for him but admitted to threatening to disseminate the intimate photo.
The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the case and urges anyone with additional information to come forward.
A lawyer for Homar did not immediately return a request for comment on the case.
